Systems and methods for on-demand decomposition of orders and urgency-based identification of item combination for fulfillment

ABSTRACT

The systems and methods for receiving a user input for a combination of a plurality of object pointers, wherein the object pointers are associated with a corresponding plurality of items located within a first area; retrieving one or more system parameters comprising a current location and a current container; transmitting a request for the combination of the plurality of object pointers, the request comprising the one or more system parameters; receiving the combination of the plurality of object pointers in response to the request; displaying locations of the plurality of items relative to the current location; and processing the plurality of items until a threshold capacity of the current container is reached by receiving input data corresponding to the plurality of object pointers.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to computerized methods andsystems for reorganizing customer orders in real time based on urgencyand system configurations. In particular, embodiments of the presentdisclosure relate to inventive and unconventional systems that decomposethe customer orders into individual items in response to a user requestand regrouping the individual items into combinations for orderfulfillment based on urgency and other system configurations.

BACKGROUND

With proliferation of the Internet, online shopping has become one ofthe major avenues of commerce. Consumers and businesses are purchasinggoods from online vendors more frequently than ever, and the number oftransactions and sales revenue are projected to grow year-over-year at astaggering rate. As the scope and volume of e-commerce continue to grow,both a number of different products available online and an averagenumber of purchases made in a given period are growing exponentially. Ithas thus become very important to optimize processes of fulfilling anorder, which starts when a customer places the order and ends when theorder is delivered to the customer.

Of the different processes that are involved in order fulfillment suchas retrieving items included in the order, packaging the items, andshipping, various solutions for retrieving the items already exist tomake the process more efficient. The existing solutions, however, arerudimentary in that they control the retrievals on a per-order basis.That is, under existing solutions, workers are assigned one or moreorders to fulfill, and they retrieve items until they completeretrieving every item in each order regardless of where the items may belocated in a warehouse. Considering the numerosity of items and atypical size of a warehouse, the existing solutions may not be utilizingthe workers' time and effort as much as they could. This is especiallytrue when different items in an order are located far apart in awarehouse. Moreover, the workers in the existing solutions may not beaware of certain limitations in the overall system, where, for example,a conveyor belt may have certain weight limit or the items of an orderare heavier or larger than one would expect. It is nearly impossible forindividual workers to account for these limitations as the limit must becalculated based on all products that are in transport at a given pointin time, and current systems are unable to account for these limitationsas well.

Furthermore, even when some conventional systems are configured toassign orders to workers based on extra considerations such as thelocation of the items, the conventional systems are still inefficient inthat they generate the assignments before receiving the workers' requestfor new assignments. Under this conventional configuration, itemsincluded in newly received orders must wait until the previouslygenerated assignments are retrieved even if it would have been moreefficient to retrieve the new items with the previous assignments.

Therefore, there is a need for improved system and methods for managingorders and assigning them to workers in a controlled manner to processthe orders in an efficient manner.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to acomputer-implemented system for handling object pointers. The system maycomprise a memory storing instructions; and at least one processorconfigured to execute the instructions. The instructions may comprise:receiving a user input for a combination of a plurality of objectpointers, wherein the object pointers are associated with acorresponding plurality of items located within a first area; retrievingone or more system parameters comprising a current location and acurrent container; transmitting a request for the combination of theplurality of object pointers, the request comprising the one or moresystem parameters; receiving the combination of the plurality of objectpointers in response to the request; displaying locations of theplurality of items relative to the current location; and processing theplurality of items until a threshold capacity of the current containeris reached by receiving input data corresponding to the plurality ofobject pointers.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to acomputer-implemented method for handling object pointers. The method maycomprise: receiving a user input for a combination of a plurality ofobject pointers, wherein the object pointers are associated with acorresponding plurality of items located within a first area; retrievingone or more system parameters comprising a current location and acurrent container; transmitting a request for the combination of theplurality of object pointers, the request comprising the one or moresystem parameters; receiving the combination of the plurality of objectpointers in response to the request; displaying locations of theplurality of items relative to the current location; and processing theplurality of items until a threshold capacity of the current containeris reached by receiving input data corresponding to the plurality ofobject pointers.

Still further, another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to acomputer-implemented system for decomposition and reorganization ofitems in customer orders. The system may comprise a memory storinginstructions; and at least one processor configured to execute theinstructions. The instructions may comprise: receiving, from a userdevice, a request for a batch of one or more item identifiers, whereinthe one or more item identifiers are associated with a subset of one ormore customer orders; decomposing the one or more customer orders intoindividual item identifiers to be stored in a network-connected storagedevice; retrieving a plurality of item identifiers of available customerorders; identifying item identifiers associated with a priority group;creating a plurality of combinations of the identified item identifiersas batch candidates; identifying a batch candidate with a highest score,the score being based on locations of items associated with the itemidentifiers of the identified batch candidate; and transmitting theidentified batch candidate to the user device.

Other systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also discussedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of a network comprising computerized systems forcommunications enabling shipping, transportation, and logisticsoperations, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1B depicts a sample Search Result Page (SRP) that includes one ormore search results satisfying a search request along with interactiveuser interface elements, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1C depicts a sample Single Display Page (SDP) that includes aproduct and information about the product along with interactive userinterface elements, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1D depicts a sample Cart page that includes items in a virtualshopping cart along with interactive user interface elements, consistentwith the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1E depicts a sample Order page that includes items from the virtualshopping cart along with information regarding purchase and shipping,along with interactive user interface elements, consistent with thedisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary fulfillment centerconfigured to utilize disclosed computerized systems, consistent withthe disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary picking zone,consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic illustration of a picking operation of aworker in picking zone, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodimentof a networked environment comprising computerized systems for on-demanddecomposition and distribution of orders to multiple pickers, consistentwith the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary order distribution process,consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary computerized process for apicking operation as performed by a worker with a mobile device,consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary computerized process forgenerating a batch on-demand, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar parts.While several illustrative embodiments are described herein,modifications, adaptations and other implementations are possible. Forexample, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to thecomponents and steps illustrated in the drawings, and the illustrativemethods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering,removing, or adding steps to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, thefollowing detailed description is not limited to the disclosedembodiments and examples. Instead, the proper scope of the invention isdefined by the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed tocomputer-implemented systems and methods for decomposing customer ordersinto individual items in response to a user request, regrouping theindividual items into combinations based on urgency and other systemconfigurations, and transmitting the best combination at the moment tothe user for retrieval.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a schematic block diagram 100 illustrating anexemplary embodiment of a system comprising computerized systems forcommunications enabling shipping, transportation, and logisticsoperations is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, system 100 may include avariety of systems, each of which may be connected to one another viaone or more networks. The systems may also be connected to one anothervia a direct connection, for example, using a cable. The depictedsystems include a shipment authority technology (SAT) system 101, anexternal front end system 103, an internal front end system 105, atransportation system 107, mobile devices 107A, 107B, and 107C, sellerportal 109, shipment and order tracking (SOT) system 111, fulfillmentoptimization (FO) system 113, fulfillment messaging gateway (FMG) 115,supply chain management (SCM) system 117, warehouse management system119, mobile devices 119A, 119B, and 119C (depicted as being inside offulfillment center (FC) 200), 3^(rd) party fulfillment systems 121A,121B, and 121C, fulfillment center authorization system (FC Auth) 123,and labor management system (LMS) 125.

SAT system 101, in some embodiments, may be implemented as a computersystem that monitors order status and delivery status. For example, SATsystem 101 may determine whether an order is past its Promised DeliveryDate (PDD) and may take appropriate action, including initiating a neworder, reshipping the items in the non-delivered order, canceling thenon-delivered order, initiating contact with the ordering customer, orthe like. SAT system 101 may also monitor other data, including output(such as a number of packages shipped during a particular time period)and input (such as the number of empty cardboard boxes received for usein shipping). SAT system 101 may also act as a gateway between differentdevices in system 100, enabling communication (e.g., usingstore-and-forward or other techniques) between devices such as externalfront end system 103 and FO system 113.

External front end system 103, in some embodiments, may be implementedas a computer system that enables external users to interact with one ormore systems in system 100. For example, in embodiments where system 100enables the presentation of systems to enable users to place an orderfor an item, external front end system 103 may be implemented as a webserver that receives search requests, presents item pages, and solicitspayment information. For example, external front end system 103 may beimplemented as a computer or computers running software such as theApache HTTP Server, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS),NGINX, or the like. In other embodiments, external front end system 103may run custom web server software designed to receive and processrequests from external devices (e.g., mobile device 102A or computer102B), acquire information from databases and other data stores based onthose requests, and provide responses to the received requests based onacquired information.

In some embodiments, external front end system 103 may include one ormore of a web caching system, a database, a search system, or a paymentsystem. In one aspect, external front end system 103 may comprise one ormore of these systems, while in another aspect, external front endsystem 103 may comprise interfaces (e.g., server-to-server,database-to-database, or other network connections) connected to one ormore of these systems.

An illustrative set of steps, illustrated by FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E,will help to describe some operations of external front end system 103.External front end system 103 may receive information from systems ordevices in system 100 for presentation and/or display. For example,external front end system 103 may host or provide one or more web pages,including a Search Result Page (SRP) (e.g., FIG. 1B), a Single DetailPage (SDP) (e.g., FIG. 1C), a Cart page (e.g., FIG. 1D), or an Orderpage (e.g., FIG. 1E). A user device (e.g., using mobile device 102A orcomputer 102B) may navigate to external front end system 103 and requesta search by entering information into a search box. External front endsystem 103 may request information from one or more systems in system100. For example, external front end system 103 may request informationfrom FO System 113 that satisfies the search request. External front endsystem 103 may also request and receive (from FO System 113) a PromisedDelivery Date or “PDD” for each product included in the search results.The PDD, in some embodiments, may represent an estimate of when apackage containing the product will arrive at the user's desiredlocation or a date by which the product is promised to be delivered atthe user's desired location if ordered within a particular period oftime, for example, by the end of the day (11:59 PM). (PDD is discussedfurther below with respect to FO System 113.)

External front end system 103 may prepare an SRP (e.g., FIG. 1B) basedon the information. The SRP may include information that satisfies thesearch request. For example, this may include pictures of products thatsatisfy the search request. The SRP may also include respective pricesfor each product, or information relating to enhanced delivery optionsfor each product, PDD, weight, size, offers, discounts, or the like.External front end system 103 may send the SRP to the requesting userdevice (e.g., via a network).

A user device may then select a product from the SRP, e.g., by clickingor tapping a user interface, or using another input device, to select aproduct represented on the SRP. The user device may formulate a requestfor information on the selected product and send it to external frontend system 103. In response, external front end system 103 may requestinformation related to the selected product. For example, theinformation may include additional information beyond that presented fora product on the respective SRP. This could include, for example, shelflife, country of origin, weight, size, number of items in package,handling instructions, or other information about the product. Theinformation could also include recommendations for similar products(based on, for example, big data and/or machine learning analysis ofcustomers who bought this product and at least one other product),answers to frequently asked questions, reviews from customers,manufacturer information, pictures, or the like.

External front end system 103 may prepare an SDP (Single Detail Page)(e.g., FIG. 1C) based on the received product information. The SDP mayalso include other interactive elements such as a “Buy Now” button, a“Add to Cart” button, a quantity field, a picture of the item, or thelike. The SDP may further include a list of sellers that offer theproduct. The list may be ordered based on the price each seller offerssuch that the seller that offers to sell the product at the lowest pricemay be listed at the top. The list may also be ordered based on theseller ranking such that the highest ranked seller may be listed at thetop. The seller ranking may be formulated based on multiple factors,including, for example, the seller's past track record of meeting apromised PDD. External front end system 103 may deliver the SDP to therequesting user device (e.g., via a network).

The requesting user device may receive the SDP which lists the productinformation. Upon receiving the SDP, the user device may then interactwith the SDP. For example, a user of the requesting user device mayclick or otherwise interact with a “Place in Cart” button on the SDP.This adds the product to a shopping cart associated with the user. Theuser device may transmit this request to add the product to the shoppingcart to external front end system 103.

External front end system 103 may generate a Cart page (e.g., FIG. 1D).The Cart page, in some embodiments, lists the products that the user hasadded to a virtual “shopping cart.” A user device may request the Cartpage by clicking on or otherwise interacting with an icon on the SRP,SDP, or other pages. The Cart page may, in some embodiments, list allproducts that the user has added to the shopping cart, as well asinformation about the products in the cart such as a quantity of eachproduct, a price for each product per item, a price for each productbased on an associated quantity, information regarding PDD, a deliverymethod, a shipping cost, user interface elements for modifying theproducts in the shopping cart (e.g., deletion or modification of aquantity), options for ordering other product or setting up periodicdelivery of products, options for setting up interest payments, userinterface elements for proceeding to purchase, or the like. A user at auser device may click on or otherwise interact with a user interfaceelement (e.g., a button that reads “Buy Now”) to initiate the purchaseof the product in the shopping cart. Upon doing so, the user device maytransmit this request to initiate the purchase to external front endsystem 103.

External front end system 103 may generate an Order page (e.g., FIG. 1E)in response to receiving the request to initiate a purchase. The Orderpage, in some embodiments, re-lists the items from the shopping cart andrequests input of payment and shipping information. For example, theOrder page may include a section requesting information about thepurchaser of the items in the shopping cart (e.g., name, address, e-mailaddress, phone number), information about the recipient (e.g., name,address, phone number, delivery information), shipping information(e.g., speed/method of delivery and/or pickup), payment information(e.g., credit card, bank transfer, check, stored credit), user interfaceelements to request a cash receipt (e.g., for tax purposes), or thelike. External front end system 103 may send the Order page to the userdevice.

The user device may enter information on the Order page and click orotherwise interact with a user interface element that sends theinformation to external front end system 103. From there, external frontend system 103 may send the information to different systems in system100 to enable the creation and processing of a new order with theproducts in the shopping cart.

In some embodiments, external front end system 103 may be furtherconfigured to enable sellers to transmit and receive informationrelating to orders.

Internal front end system 105, in some embodiments, may be implementedas a computer system that enables internal users (e.g., employees of anorganization that owns, operates, or leases system 100) to interact withone or more systems in system 100. For example, in embodiments wheresystem 100 enables the presentation of systems to enable users to placean order for an item, internal front end system 105 may be implementedas a web server that enables internal users to view diagnostic andstatistical information about orders, modify item information, or reviewstatistics relating to orders. For example, internal front end system105 may be implemented as a computer or computers running software suchas the Apache HTTP Server, Microsoft Internet Information Services(IIS), NGINX, or the like. In other embodiments, internal front endsystem 105 may run custom web server software designed to receive andprocess requests from systems or devices depicted in system 100 (as wellas other devices not depicted), acquire information from databases andother data stores based on those requests, and provide responses to thereceived requests based on acquired information.

In some embodiments, internal front end system 105 may include one ormore of a web caching system, a database, a search system, a paymentsystem, an analytics system, an order monitoring system, or the like. Inone aspect, internal front end system 105 may comprise one or more ofthese systems, while in another aspect, internal front end system 105may comprise interfaces (e.g., server-to-server, database-to-database,or other network connections) connected to one or more of these systems.

Transportation system 107, in some embodiments, may be implemented as acomputer system that enables communication between systems or devices insystem 100 and mobile devices 107A-107C. Transportation system 107, insome embodiments, may receive information from one or more mobiledevices 107A-107C (e.g., mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs, or thelike). For example, in some embodiments, mobile devices 107A-107C maycomprise devices operated by delivery workers. The delivery workers, whomay be permanent, temporary, or shift employees, may utilize mobiledevices 107A-107C to effect delivery of packages containing the productsordered by users. For example, to deliver a package, the delivery workermay receive a notification on a mobile device indicating which packageto deliver and where to deliver it. Upon arriving at the deliverylocation, the delivery worker may locate the package (e.g., in the backof a truck or in a crate of packages), scan or otherwise capture dataassociated with an identifier on the package (e.g., a barcode, an image,a text string, an RFID tag, or the like) using the mobile device, anddeliver the package (e.g., by leaving it at a front door, leaving itwith a security guard, handing it to the recipient, or the like). Insome embodiments, the delivery worker may capture photo(s) of thepackage and/or may obtain a signature using the mobile device. Themobile device may send information to transportation system 107including information about the delivery, including, for example, time,date, GPS location, photo(s), an identifier associated with the deliveryworker, an identifier associated with the mobile device, or the like.Transportation system 107 may store this information in a database (notpictured) for access by other systems in system 100. Transportationsystem 107 may, in some embodiments, use this information to prepare andsend tracking data to other systems indicating the location of aparticular package.

In some embodiments, certain users may use one kind of mobile device(e.g., permanent workers may use a specialized PDA with custom hardwaresuch as a barcode scanner, stylus, and other devices) while other usersmay use other kinds of mobile devices (e.g., temporary or shift workersmay utilize off-the-shelf mobile phones and/or smartphones).

In some embodiments, transportation system 107 may associate a user witheach device. For example, transportation system 107 may store anassociation between a user (represented by, e.g., a user identifier, anemployee identifier, or a phone number) and a mobile device (representedby, e.g., an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), anInternational Mobile Subscription Identifier (IMSI), a phone number, aUniversal Unique Identifier (UUID), or a Globally Unique Identifier(GUID)). Transportation system 107 may use this association inconjunction with data received on deliveries to analyze data stored inthe database in order to determine, among other things, a location ofthe worker, an efficiency of the worker, or a speed of the worker.

Seller portal 109, in some embodiments, may be implemented as a computersystem that enables sellers or other external entities to electronicallycommunicate with one or more systems in system 100. For example, aseller may utilize a computer system (not pictured) to upload or provideproduct information, order information, contact information, or thelike, for products that the seller wishes to sell through system 100using seller portal 109.

Shipment and order tracking system 111, in some embodiments, may beimplemented as a computer system that receives, stores, and forwardsinformation regarding the location of packages containing productsordered by customers (e.g., by a user using devices 102A-102B). In someembodiments, shipment and order tracking system 111 may request or storeinformation from web servers (not pictured) operated by shippingcompanies that deliver packages containing products ordered bycustomers.

In some embodiments, shipment and order tracking system 111 may requestand store information from systems depicted in system 100. For example,shipment and order tracking system 111 may request information fromtransportation system 107. As discussed above, transportation system 107may receive information from one or more mobile devices 107A-107C (e.g.,mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs, or the like) that are associated withone or more of a user (e.g., a delivery worker) or a vehicle (e.g., adelivery truck). In some embodiments, shipment and order tracking system111 may also request information from warehouse management system (WMS)119 to determine the location of individual products inside of afulfillment center (e.g., fulfillment center 200). Shipment and ordertracking system 111 may request data from one or more of transportationsystem 107 or WMS 119, process it, and present it to a device (e.g.,user devices 102A and 102B) upon request.

Fulfillment optimization (FO) system 113, in some embodiments, may beimplemented as a computer system that stores information for customerorders from other systems (e.g., external front end system 103 and/orshipment and order tracking system 111). FO system 113 may also storeinformation describing where particular items are held or stored. Forexample, certain items may be stored only in one fulfillment center,while certain other items may be stored in multiple fulfillment centers.In still other embodiments, certain fulfillment centers may be designedto store only a particular set of items (e.g., fresh produce or frozenproducts). FO system 113 stores this information as well as associatedinformation (e.g., quantity, size, date of receipt, expiration date,etc.).

FO system 113 may also calculate a corresponding PDD (promised deliverydate) for each product. The PDD, in some embodiments, may be based onone or more factors. For example, FO system 113 may calculate a PDD fora product based on a past demand for a product (e.g., how many timesthat product was ordered during a period of time), an expected demandfor a product (e.g., how many customers are forecast to order theproduct during an upcoming period of time), a network-wide past demandindicating how many products were ordered during a period of time, anetwork-wide expected demand indicating how many products are expectedto be ordered during an upcoming period of time, one or more counts ofthe product stored in each fulfillment center 200, which fulfillmentcenter stores each product, expected or current orders for that product,or the like.

In some embodiments, FO system 113 may determine a PDD for each producton a periodic basis (e.g., hourly) and store it in a database forretrieval or sending to other systems (e.g., external front end system103, SAT system 101, shipment and order tracking system 111). In otherembodiments, FO system 113 may receive electronic requests from one ormore systems (e.g., external front end system 103, SAT system 101,shipment and order tracking system 111) and calculate the PDD on demand.

Fulfillment messaging gateway (FMG) 115, in some embodiments, may beimplemented as a computer system that receives a request or response inone format or protocol from one or more systems in system 100, such asFO system 113, converts it to another format or protocol, and forward itin the converted format or protocol to other systems, such as WMS 119 or3^(rd) party fulfillment systems 121A, 121B, or 121C, and vice versa.

Supply chain management (SCM) system 117, in some embodiments, may beimplemented as a computer system that performs forecasting functions.For example, SCM system 117 may forecast a level of demand for aparticular product based on, for example, based on a past demand forproducts, an expected demand for a product, a network-wide past demand,a network-wide expected demand, a count products stored in eachfulfillment center 200, expected or current orders for each product, orthe like. In response to this forecasted level and the amount of eachproduct across all fulfillment centers, SCM system 117 may generate oneor more purchase orders to purchase and stock a sufficient quantity tosatisfy the forecasted demand for a particular product.

Warehouse management system (WMS) 119, in some embodiments, may beimplemented as a computer system that monitors workflow. For example,WMS 119 may receive event data from individual devices (e.g., devices107A-107C or 119A-119C) indicating discrete events. For example, WMS 119may receive event data indicating the use of one of these devices toscan a package. As discussed below with respect to fulfillment center200 and FIG. 2, during the fulfillment process, a package identifier(e.g., a barcode or RFID tag data) may be scanned or read by machines atparticular stages (e.g., automated or handheld barcode scanners, RFIDreaders, high-speed cameras, devices such as tablet 119A, mobiledevice/PDA 119B, computer 119C, or the like). WMS 119 may store eachevent indicating a scan or a read of a package identifier in acorresponding database (not pictured) along with the package identifier,a time, date, location, user identifier, or other information, and mayprovide this information to other systems (e.g., shipment and ordertracking system 111).

WMS 119, in some embodiments, may store information associating one ormore devices (e.g., devices 107A-107C or 119A-119C) with one or moreusers associated with system 100. For example, in some situations, auser (such as a part- or full-time employee) may be associated with amobile device in that the user owns the mobile device (e.g., the mobiledevice is a smartphone). In other situations, a user may be associatedwith a mobile device in that the user is temporarily in custody of themobile device (e.g., the user checked the mobile device out at the startof the day, will use it during the day, and will return it at the end ofthe day).

WMS 119, in some embodiments, may maintain a work log for each userassociated with system 100. For example, WMS 119 may store informationassociated with each employee, including any assigned processes (e.g.,unloading trucks, picking items from a pick zone, rebin wall work,packing items), a user identifier, a location (e.g., a floor or zone ina fulfillment center 200), a number of units moved through the system bythe employee (e.g., number of items picked, number of items packed), anidentifier associated with a device (e.g., devices 119A-119C), or thelike. In some embodiments, WMS 119 may receive check-in and check-outinformation from a timekeeping system, such as a timekeeping systemoperated on a device 119A-119C.

3^(rd) party fulfillment (3PL) systems 121A-121C, in some embodiments,represent computer systems associated with third-party providers oflogistics and products. For example, while some products are stored infulfillment center 200 (as discussed below with respect to FIG. 2),other products may be stored off-site, may be produced on demand, or maybe otherwise unavailable for storage in fulfillment center 200. 3PLsystems 121A-121C may be configured to receive orders from FO system 113(e.g., through FMG 115) and may provide products and/or services (e.g.,delivery or installation) to customers directly. In some embodiments,one or more of 3PL systems 121A-121C may be part of system 100, while inother embodiments, one or more of 3PL systems 121A-121C may be outsideof system 100 (e.g., owned or operated by a third-party provider).

Fulfillment Center Auth system (FC Auth) 123, in some embodiments, maybe implemented as a computer system with a variety of functions. Forexample, in some embodiments, FC Auth 123 may act as a single-sign on(SSO) service for one or more other systems in system 100. For example,FC Auth 123 may enable a user to log in via internal front end system105, determine that the user has similar privileges to access resourcesat shipment and order tracking system 111, and enable the user to accessthose privileges without requiring a second log in process. FC Auth 123,in other embodiments, may enable users (e.g., employees) to associatethemselves with a particular task. For example, some employees may nothave an electronic device (such as devices 119A-119C) and may insteadmove from task to task, and zone to zone, within a fulfillment center200, during the course of a day. FC Auth 123 may be configured to enablethose employees to indicate what task they are performing and what zonethey are in at different times of day.

Labor management system (LMS) 125, in some embodiments, may beimplemented as a computer system that stores attendance and overtimeinformation for employees (including full-time and part-time employees).For example, LMS 125 may receive information from FC Auth 123, WMS 119,devices 119A-119C, transportation system 107, and/or devices 107A-107C.

The particular configuration depicted in FIG. 1A is an example only. Forexample, while FIG. 1A depicts FC Auth system 123 connected to FO system113, not all embodiments require this particular configuration. Indeed,in some embodiments, the systems in system 100 may be connected to oneanother through one or more public or private networks, including theInternet, an Intranet, a WAN (Wide-Area Network), a MAN(Metropolitan-Area Network), a wireless network compliant with the IEEE802.11a/b/g/n Standards, a leased line, or the like. In someembodiments, one or more of the systems in system 100 may be implementedas one or more virtual servers implemented at a data center, serverfarm, or the like.

FIG. 2 depicts a fulfillment center 200. Fulfillment center 200 is anexample of a physical location that stores items for shipping tocustomers when ordered. Fulfillment center (FC) 200 may be divided intomultiple zones, each of which are depicted in FIG. 2. These “zones,” insome embodiments, may be thought of as virtual divisions betweendifferent stages of a process of receiving items, storing the items,retrieving the items, and shipping the items. So while the “zones” aredepicted in FIG. 2, other divisions of zones are possible, and the zonesin FIG. 2 may be omitted, duplicated, or modified in some embodiments.

Inbound zone 203 represents an area of FC 200 where items are receivedfrom sellers who wish to sell products using system 100 from FIG. 1A.For example, a seller may deliver items 202A and 202B using truck 201.Item 202A may represent a single item large enough to occupy its ownshipping pallet, while item 202B may represent a set of items that arestacked together on the same pallet to save space.

A worker will receive the items in inbound zone 203 and may optionallycheck the items for damage and correctness using a computer system (notpictured). For example, the worker may use a computer system to comparethe quantity of items 202A and 202B to an ordered quantity of items. Ifthe quantity does not match, that worker may refuse one or more of items202A or 202B. If the quantity does match, the worker may move thoseitems (using, e.g., a dolly, a handtruck, a forklift, or manually) tobuffer zone 205. Buffer zone 205 may be a temporary storage area foritems that are not currently needed in the picking zone, for example,because there is a high enough quantity of that item in the picking zoneto satisfy forecasted demand. In some embodiments, forklifts 206 operateto move items around buffer zone 205 and between inbound zone 203 anddrop zone 207. If there is a need for items 202A or 202B in the pickingzone (e.g., because of forecasted demand), a forklift may move items202A or 202B to drop zone 207.

Drop zone 207 may be an area of FC 200 that stores items before they aremoved to picking zone 209. A worker assigned to the picking task (a“picker”) may approach items 202A and 202B in the picking zone, scan abarcode for the picking zone, and scan barcodes associated with items202A and 202B using a mobile device (e.g., device 119B). The picker maythen take the item to picking zone 209 (e.g., by placing it on a cart orcarrying it).

Picking zone 209 may be an area of FC 200 where items 208 are stored onstorage units 210. In some embodiments, storage units 210 may compriseone or more of physical shelving, bookshelves, boxes, totes,refrigerators, freezers, cold stores, or the like. In some embodiments,picking zone 209 may be organized into multiple floors. In someembodiments, workers or machines may move items into picking zone 209 inmultiple ways, including, for example, a forklift, an elevator, aconveyor belt, a cart, a handtruck, a dolly, an automated robot ordevice, or manually. For example, a picker may place items 202A and 202Bon a handtruck or cart in drop zone 207 and walk items 202A and 202B topicking zone 209.

A picker may receive an instruction to place (or “stow”) the items inparticular spots in picking zone 209, such as a particular space on astorage unit 210. For example, a picker may scan item 202A using amobile device (e.g., device 119B). The device may indicate where thepicker should stow item 202A, for example, using a system that indicatean aisle, shelf, and location. The device may then prompt the picker toscan a barcode at that location before stowing item 202A in thatlocation. The device may send (e.g., via a wireless network) data to acomputer system such as WMS 119 in FIG. 1A indicating that item 202A hasbeen stowed at the location by the user using device 1198.

Once a user places an order, a picker may receive an instruction ondevice 1198 to retrieve one or more items 208 from storage unit 210. Thepicker may retrieve item 208, scan a barcode on item 208, and place iton transport mechanism 214. While transport mechanism 214 is representedas a slide, in some embodiments, transport mechanism may be implementedas one or more of a conveyor belt, an elevator, a cart, a forklift, ahandtruck, a dolly, or the like. Item 208 may then arrive at packingzone 211.

Packing zone 211 may be an area of FC 200 where items are received frompicking zone 209 and packed into boxes or bags for eventual shipping tocustomers. In packing zone 211, a worker assigned to receiving items (a“rebin worker”) will receive item 208 from picking zone 209 anddetermine what order it corresponds to. For example, the rebin workermay use a device, such as computer 119C, to scan a barcode on item 208.Computer 119C may indicate visually which order item 208 is associatedwith. This may include, for example, a space or “cell” on a wall 216that corresponds to an order. Once the order is complete (e.g., becausethe cell contains all items for the order), the rebin worker mayindicate to a packing worker (or “packer”) that the order is complete.The packer may retrieve the items from the cell and place them in a boxor bag for shipping. The packer may then send the box or bag to a hubzone 213, e.g., via forklift, cart, dolly, handtruck, conveyor belt,manually, or otherwise.

Hub zone 213 may be an area of FC 200 that receives all boxes or bags(“packages”) from packing zone 211. Workers and/or machines in hub zone213 may retrieve package 218 and determine which portion of a deliveryarea each package is intended to go to, and route the package to anappropriate camp zone 215. For example, if the delivery area has twosmaller sub-areas, packages will go to one of two camp zones 215. Insome embodiments, a worker or machine may scan a package (e.g., usingone of devices 119A-119C) to determine its eventual destination. Routingthe package to camp zone 215 may comprise, for example, determining aportion of a geographical area that the package is destined for (e.g.,based on a postal code) and determining a camp zone 215 associated withthe portion of the geographical area.

Camp zone 215, in some embodiments, may comprise one or more buildings,one or more physical spaces, or one or more areas, where packages arereceived from hub zone 213 for sorting into routes and/or sub-routes. Insome embodiments, camp zone 215 is physically separate from FC 200 whilein other embodiments camp zone 215 may form a part of FC 200.

Workers and/or machines in camp zone 215 may determine which routeand/or sub-route a package 220 should be associated with, for example,based on a comparison of the destination to an existing route and/orsub-route, a calculation of workload for each route and/or sub-route,the time of day, a shipping method, the cost to ship the package 220, aPDD associated with the items in package 220, or the like. In someembodiments, a worker or machine may scan a package (e.g., using one ofdevices 119A-119C) to determine its eventual destination. Once package220 is assigned to a particular route and/or sub-route, a worker and/ormachine may move package 220 to be shipped. In exemplary FIG. 2, campzone 215 includes a truck 222, a car 226, and delivery workers 224A and224B. In some embodiments, truck 222 may be driven by delivery worker224A, where delivery worker 224A is a full-time employee that deliverspackages for FC 200 and truck 222 is owned, leased, or operated by thesame company that owns, leases, or operates FC 200. In some embodiments,car 226 may be driven by delivery worker 224B, where delivery worker224B is a “flex” or occasional worker that is delivering on an as-neededbasis (e.g., seasonally). Car 226 may be owned, leased, or operated bydelivery worker 224B.

FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary picking zone 300that may serve a similar function as picking zone 209 of FIG. 2. Pickingzone 300 may be located in a warehouse, such as FC 200. In picking zone300, items 320 are stored in storage units 310, which may include one ormore location identifiers 311. Storage units 310, in some embodiments,may be physical shelving, bookshelves, boxes, totes, refrigerators,freezers, cold stores, or the like. Items 320, in some embodiments, maybe products for sale and may be picked by a user (such as a picker) oran automated machine, when a customer places an order for items 320 viaa website hosted by external front end system 103.

In some embodiments, storage units 310, such as a shelving, may havelocation identifier 311 attached to it. Location identifier 311 may be aunique address of a particular location of storage units 310 withinpicking zone 300. In some embodiments, location identifier 311 maycorrespond to a particular item that is shelved at the location. Inother embodiments, location identifier 311 may indicate multiple itemsthat are shelved together or closely together. Location identifier 311may be an item barcode, RFID tag, a short-range wireless beacon (e.g., aBluetooth beacon), or a matrix barcode, such as Quick Response (QR)code. A camera or a scanner in a user device, such as a mobile device119B, may scan location identifier 311 using an input device, such as animaging device including a camera or a scanner, as described above, orother devices such as an NFC sensor, an RFID reader, a short-rangewireless transponder (e.g., a Bluetooth transponder), or a keyboard. Thescanned information may be sent to WMS 119, which may then determine andconfirm whether a picker is at a location that is designated by WMS 119.

Such operation of verifying a picker's location may occur as the pickeris retrieving items assigned to him or her in a batch. A batch mayinclude one or more items or item identifiers corresponding to the oneor more items. A picker may pick (i.e., retrieving) items included inthe assigned batch until every item in the batch is picked. In someembodiments, the picker may move in picking zone 300, such as awarehouse, on foot, while in other embodiments, the picker may usemobility devices that assist movement such as a scooter, a robot and/orvehicles.

In some embodiments, a user device (e.g., mobile device 119B) may assista picker to find a designated location. In some embodiments, the userdevice may show the picker a map with directional guidance. For example,the user device may inform a picker to turn left upon reaching a certainlocation. In some embodiments, the user device may provide a signal,including, but not limited to a map, sound, vibration or text messagefor assisting pickers to find a designated location. In furtherembodiments, the user device may also be configured to determine anddisplay an optimized route to pick every item of a batch.

FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic illustration of a picking operation of apicker 350 in picking zone 300 of FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, eachitem 320 may have an item identifier 321 attached to item 320.Alternatively, item identifier 321 may be located near item 320. Itemidentifier 321 may comprise one or more of an item barcode, RFID tag, amatrix barcode, such as Quick Response (QR) code, or the like.

In some embodiments, picker 350 may be able to scan item identifier 321with an input device of a user device, such as mobile device 119B. Theinput device may comprise image sensors such as a camera or a scanner,as described above, or other input means such as a keyboard, an NFCsensor, or an RFID reader. The scanned information may be transmitted toWMS 119 via wireless or wired network, which may then confirm whetherthe scanned item identifier 321 matches item identifier informationstored in WMS 119. When WMS 119 confirms that it matches, mobile device1198 may display an instruction for picker 350 to pick item 320 and putit in a container 330. Picker 350 may continue this picking operationuntil the last item in the batch is picked.

In some embodiments, container 330 may have container identifier 331attached to container 330. Container identifier 331 may comprise one ormore of an item barcode, RFID tag, a matrix barcode, such as QuickResponse (QR) code, or the like. Container 330 may include any holdinginstrument, such as a box, a tote, a bag, or the like, configured tohold one or more items 320. Container 330 may also be a compartment inan automated picking machine. Furthermore, there may be more than onetype of container 330 that may vary in size, shape, or material. Forexample, one type of container 330 may be configured specifically forrefrigerated items (e.g., produce, meat) and be constructed of aninsulating material, while another type of container 330 may be a simplecardboard box. The types of containers available at FC 200 or at an area(e.g., a particular floor) within picking zone 300 may be different, anda particular type available at one FC or an area may not be available atanother.

As the items in a batch are picked, picker 350 may place container 330on a cart 340. In some embodiments, cart 340 may have a cart identifier341 attached to cart 340. Cart identifier 341 may comprise one or moreof an item barcode, RFID tag, a matrix barcode, such as Quick Response(QR) code, or the like. Cart 340 may be any vehicle configured to holdand transport one or more containers 330, such as a handcart, a dolly, adrivable cart, or the like. In some embodiments, cart 340 may powered byfuel or electricity. In other embodiments, cart 340 may be an automatedrobot configured to move among storage units 310 and pick items 320using mechanical instruments such as an articulating arm. As withcontainer 330, the types of carts available at FC 200 or an area withinFC 200 may be different, and a particular type available at one FC or anarea may not be available at another.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodimentof a networked environment 400 comprising computerized systems forefficient distribution of orders and dissemination of the same tomultiple users. Environment 400 may include a variety of systems, eachof which may be connected to one another via one or more networks. Thesystems may also be connected to one another via a direct connection,for example, using a cable. The depicted systems include an FO system113, a fulfillment messaging gateway (FMG) 115, a workforce managementsystem (WMS) 119, devices 119A-C, and users 350. FMG 115, WMS 119,devices 119A-C, and pickers 350 shown in FIG. 4 correspond to theirrespective counterparts in FIGS. 1A and 3B and will not be describedagain here.

FO system 113, on the other hand, is shown in more detail with itscomponent systems. In some embodiments, FO system 113 may comprise anorder database 411, an inventory database 412, a FC configurationsdatabase 413, and a batch generator 414. Components of FO system 113(e.g., order database 411, inventory database 412, FC configurationdatabase 413, and batch generator 414) may be implemented as one or morefunctional units performed by one or more processors based oninstructions stored in the one or more memories or portions of one ormore non-transitory computer-readable mediums that store informationpertaining to each component. Alternatively, components of FO system 113may be implemented as one or more computer systems communicating witheach other via a network. In this embodiment, each of the one or morecomputer systems may comprise one or more processors, one or morememories (i.e., non-transitory computer-readable media), and one or moreinput/output (I/O) devices. Each of the one or more computer systems mayalso take the form of a server, general-purpose computer, a mainframecomputer, a special-purpose computing device such as a GPU, laptop, orany combination of these computing devices.

Order database 411, inventory database 412, and FC configurationdatabase 413, in some embodiments, may each be implemented as one ormore computer systems that collect, accrue, and/or generate various dataaccrued from other systems described above. In other embodiments, orderdatabase 411, inventory database 412, and FC configuration database 413may be implemented as a single system of database that store informationcorresponding to each database in different portions of its storagespace (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable medium). In someembodiments, the databases may include cloud-based databases oron-premise databases comprising one or more hard disk drives, one ormore solid state drives, or one or more non-transitory memories.

Regardless of the implementation, each component may be dedicated tostoring order information, inventory information, and FC configurationinformation, respectively. More specifically, order database 411 maystore order information from external front end system 103 as customersplace orders for one or more items in picking zone 209. An orderinformation, for example, may comprise an order identifier, a list ofitem identifiers ordered by the customer, ordered quantity for eachitem, customer contact information, payment information, or the like.

Inventory database 412 may store item information of individual items inpicking zone 209 of FIG. 2. An item information, for example, maycomprise a list of item identifiers grouped by individual FC, theircorresponding quantity in stock at respective FC, their locationidentifiers within respective FC, corresponding item's dimensions,weight, and handling instructions (e.g., fragile, perishable,refrigerated, frozen), or the like. In some embodiments, iteminformation may be updated or generated as items in picking zone 209 arereplenished by items received from sellers at inbound zone 203, as theyare picked by pickers at picking zone 209, and shipped out to customersfrom camp zone 215. Various aspects of item information may be updatedfrequently as individual item identifiers are scanned at differentlocations within FC 200 and the information are processed by networkedsystems (e.g., transportation system 107, SOT system 111, WMS 119) asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 1A.

Still further, FC configuration database 413 may store FC configurationinformation of individual FCs. FC configuration information, forexample, may comprise FC specific information comprising available typesand numbers of cart 340, available types and numbers of container 330,specifications of transport systems 214 such as weight limit, currentnumber of pickers 350 working at each FC, or the like. In someembodiments, FC configuration information may be collected and updatedfrom time to time as new FCs are built or existing FCs are modified to,for example, add more types and numbers of cart 340 or container 330, orinstall new transport systems 214.

Batch generator 414, in some embodiments, may include one or morecomputing devices configured to aggregate order information from orderdatabase 411 and distribute them in batches to picker 350 based on iteminformation from inventory database 412 and FC configuration informationfrom FC configurations database 413. In some embodiments, batchgenerator 414 may further comprise an item pool (not shown) that storesitem identifiers and their respective quantities as associated with theorders contained in order information. The functions of batch generator414 and the item pool are described below in more detail with respect toFIGS. 5-7.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary order distribution process 500that aggregates multiple orders into batches. In this example, order A510A, order B 510B, order C 510C, and order D 510D may be aggregated bybatch generator 414 and distributed into batch A 520A, batch B 520B, andbatch C 520C. The number of orders and batches, as well as the itemsillustrated therein, are only exemplary and batch generator 414 mayaggregate any number of orders with any combination of items anddistribute them into any number of batches as necessary.

In FIG. 5, order A 510A may comprise item identifiers corresponding to alemonade 501 and a tomato sauce 502 with quantities of five and three,respectively. Order B 510B may comprise an item identifier correspondingto a grated cheese 504 with a quantity of one. Order C 510C may compriseitem identifiers corresponding to a desktop 504, a toy tablet 505, a hotsauce 506, and a chili sauce 507 with quantities of one, one, three, andtwo, respectively. Order D 510D may comprise item identifierscorresponding to a toy car 508 and a toy truck 509 with quantities ofthree and one, respectively.

Batch generator 414 may decompose all available orders (e.g., orders A-D510A-D) into individual item identifiers along with their respectivequantity and reorganize them into batches A-C 520A-C based on, forexample, their respective location identifier. For example, batch A 520Amay contain item identifiers corresponding to location identifiersassociated with an area in picking zone 209 that store grocery items.Similarly, batch B 520B and batch C 520C may contain item identifierscorresponding to location identifiers associated with areas in pickingzone 209 that store electronics and toys, respectively. In someembodiments, item identifiers from different orders, even if the itemidentifiers are identical, may be treated as two distinct itemidentifiers as they are decomposed from the orders so that thequantities of each item identifier for both orders may be countedseparately.

In some embodiments, batch generator 414 may generate batches so thateach batch contains one or more quantities of only a single itemidentifier. In further embodiments, batch generator 414 may generatebatches using item identifiers of only a subset of available orders thatare indicated for priority processing, as is described below withrespect to FIG. 7. Still further, batch generator 414 may decompose theavailable orders into individual item identifiers in advance and storethem in the item pool described above, so that the orders do not need tobe decomposed every time a batch is generated.

In some embodiments where orders A-D 510A-D contain an amount of items(whether by volume, weight, or quantity) in excess of a predeterminedmaximum batch size, batch generator 414 may distribute the items intomore than one batches. In some embodiments, each batch may be associatedwith a particular type of cart 340 and the maximum batch size may bedetermined based on the size of available types of cart 340 or container330.

Batch generator 414 may further divide item identifiers assigned to aparticular batch into one or more container groups. For example, theitem identifiers assigned to batch A 520A may further be divided intocontainer group A 521A and container group B 521B; and the itemidentifiers assigned to batch C 520C may be divided into container groupX 521X and container group Y 521Y. Alternatively, all item identifiersof a batch such as batch B 520B may be assigned to a single containergroup such as container group P 521P.

The decision on whether to split item identifiers of a batch may bebased on a number of factors associated with the items corresponding toitem identifiers, such as their total weight, total volume, individualshapes, and the like. Batch generator 414 may compare the factors todimensions, volume capacity, and/or weight capacity of each containerand split the item identifiers of a batch into a plurality of containergroups when a predetermined maximum container group size is reached. Forexample, container group A 521A and container group B 521B may eachcontain item identifiers for lemonade 501 and chili pepper 507; andtomato sauce 502, hot sauce 506, and grated cheese 503, respectively. Infurther embodiments where a batch is associated with too many items thata maximum number of container groups for a particular cart associatedwith the batch is reached, batch generator 414 may create a new batchand associate the excess item identifiers to the new batch. The newbatch may similarly be subject to splitting into one or more containergroups as described above.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary computerized process 600 for apicking operation as performed by picker 350 with a user device such asmobile device 1198. While the description is made with reference tomobile device 1198 below, process 600 may be performed using tablet119A, computer 119C, or any other personal computing device such as awearable device, a smartwatch, and augmented reality glasses.

At step 601, mobile device 1198 may generate a request for a batch inresponse to a user input by a picker. As defined above and used hereinwith respect to FIGS. 6 and 7, a batch may refer to a combination of oneor more item identifiers and their respective quantities prescribed incorresponding customer orders, where each item identifier may beassociated with an item located in picking zone 209.

In some embodiments, the request generated at step 601 may containpicker-specific information such as current location of mobile device1198 (which corresponds to the current location of the picker that'soperating mobile device 119B), container identifier of the containerthat the picker will use to pick the items, location identifier of thelast item picked by the picker, and the time elapsed from picking thelast item. These picker-specific information may be chosen from a set ofpredetermined values retrieved from FC configurations database 413,determined based on user preference specified by the picker, orretrieved from event data stored in WMS 119.

Additionally or alternatively, the current location of mobile device1198 may be generated by a location sensor of mobile device 1198. Thelocation sensor may comprise any device configured to identify a spatiallocation within an area such as a GPS, a short-range wirelesstransponder (e.g., a Bluetooth transponder), an NFC reader, or an RFIDreader.

In further embodiments, mobile device 119B may transmit the request toFO system 113, which triggers batch generator 414 to generate a batchwith a corresponding batch identifier and return the batch identifier.The batch identifier may correspond to the batch specifically generatedin response to the request, where the batch may contain a combination ofitem identifiers pulled from available orders and their respectivequantity as described above. Transmitting and receiving batchidentifiers instead of data expressing the batches themselves may allownetworked environment 400 to minimize network traffic among differentsystems, thereby increasing overall processing speed and improvingscalability.

At step 602, mobile device 119B may receive a batch identifier frombatch generator 414. In some embodiments, batch generator 414 or mobiledevice 119B may update an appropriate record (e.g., event data in WMS119) to indicate that the current batch corresponding to the receivedbatch identifier is assigned to the picker operating mobile device 119B.

At step 603, mobile device 119B (and thus the picker using mobile device119B) may initiate a picking operation for the current batch. In someembodiments, a picking operation may include retrieving one or moreitems corresponding to item identifiers contained in the current batch,as described above.

In further embodiments, mobile device 119B may be configured to displaylocations of items on mobile device 119B relative to the currentlocation determined at step 601 or the instantaneous location of mobiledevice 119B. Additionally or alternatively, mobile device 1198 mayfurther be configured to display a directional guidance to each item.Mobile device 119B may also comprise an augmented reality display thatoverlays the directional guidance and visual indicators of theassociated items' locations within picking zone 209 and/or storage units310. In some embodiments, the augmented reality display may take theform of glasses, goggles, a headgear, a helmet, contact lenses, or anyother device configured to place a display within the picker's field ofview.

At step 604, once the picker has located a particular item, mobiledevice 1198 may scan the item identifier of the item to confirm and logthat the item in the current batch is picked. In some embodiments,scanning the item identifier may comprise receiving input datacorresponding to the item identifier that is generated in response toreading or scanning the item identifier on the item as described above.

At step 605, after each item identifier is scanned, indicating that thecorresponding item is placed in a container by the picker, mobile device1198 may determine whether the container is full. In some embodiments,mobile device 1198 may determine that the container is full when thetotal volume or total weight of items currently placed in the containermeets or exceeds a predetermined percentage of maximum volume capacityor maximum weight capacity of the container as specified in thepicker-specific information or FC configurations database 413. Thispredetermined percentage may be referred to as “fill rate.” Somecontainers may specify different values to define the volume fill rateand weight fill rate. In other embodiments, other systems such as FOsystem 113 or WMS 119 may monitor and track whether the containers beingused by pickers are full and notify the corresponding picker via his orher mobile device 1198. Still further, the container itself may beconfigured to monitor its contents to determine when the items placedtherein exceed or meet its maximum capacity and notify the picker usingan output device integrated thereon (e.g., speaker, LED, piezoelectricdriver) or via his or her mobile device 1198. Additionally oralternatively, the picker may determine that the container is full andinput a signal as such.

Mobile device 1198 may repeat steps 604 and 605 until the container isfull (whether through automatic or manual determination described above)or all items of the current batch are picked, whichever occurs earlier.

While batches are generated based on specifications of the container asrelayed with the request at step 601, there may be occasions where thepicker is unable to fit all items of the current batch in the container.Such occasions may arise, for example, when the items are placedirregularly in the container or when items are unusually shaped and doesnot fit neatly in container 330. Mobile device 1198 may determinewhether such occasion has occurred at step 606, where mobile device 1198may compare the items picked and placed in the container against theitems of the current batch. Mobile device 1198 may return any items notpicked through steps 604 and 605 to batch generator 414, at step 607, tobe included in future batches.

Once all items of the current batch are picked or any non-picked itemsare returned, mobile device 1198 may determine, at step 608, that thepicking operation is complete. Additionally or alternatively, mobiledevice 1198 may update the record in WMS 119 to indicate that thecurrent batch is completed. In further embodiments, mobile device 1198may also generate and transmit a signal to FO system 113 to begintransporting the picked items to, e.g., packing zone 211 for furtherpackaging and delivery to respective customers.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary computerized process 700 forgenerating a batch on-demand in response to a request from mobile device1198. In some embodiments, process 700 may be performed by FO system113, or in particular, batch generator 414. Furthermore, while thedescription is made with reference to mobile device 1198 below, process700 may be performed in communication with tablet 119A, computer 119C,or any other personal computing device such as a wearable device, asmartwatch, or augmented reality glasses that generated the request atstep 601 described above.

At step 701, batch generator 414 may receive a request for a batch frommobile device 1198. In some embodiments, the request may comprisepicker-specific information as described above, while in otherembodiments, batch generator 414 may retrieve such picker-specificinformation from network connected systems such as FC configurationsdatabase 413 or WMS 119 based on an identity of the device that sent therequest.

At step 702, batch generator 414 may obtain item identifiers and theirrespective quantity per order to generate a batch. In some embodiments,obtaining the item identifiers and their respective quantity maycomprise retrieving them as stored in the item pool described above. Inother embodiments, obtaining the item identifiers and their respectivequantity may comprise decomposing available orders into individual itemidentifiers in response to the request.

Next, batch generator 414 may perform steps 711-713 of block 710 foreach item identifier obtained in step 702. At step 711, batch generator414 may determine the priority group of a current item identifier basedon the order that it is associated with. In some embodiments, batchgenerator 414 may determine that an item identifier belongs to aparticular priority group based on, for example, membership privilegesof the customer that placed the order, status of the order (e.g.,return, expedited, same-day), and/or the period of time remaining beforethe associated order must be packaged and shipped out to the customer.For example, item identifiers associated with orders that must beshipped out within an hour may be determined to be priority group 1,those associated with orders to ship out within two hours priority group2, and so on. The periods of time and number of priority groups usedherein are only exemplary and any other periods or intervals of time andnumber of priority groups may be used.

In some embodiments, each item identifier may be associated with anormalized volume and/or a normalized weight, which indicates apercentage of a container that the corresponding item will occupy perunit of distance traveled by a picker. For example, an item having anormalized volume of 10 indicates that the item will occupy 10% of thecurrent container (specified by the request received at step 701) perunit of distance traveled by the picker. Such item may be, for example,an item that will occupy 30% of the current container and is 3 units ofdistance away from the picker, or an item that will occupy 10% of thecurrent container but is 1 unit of distance away. This allows batchgenerator 414 to compare all items against a common metric with which itmay assign different combinations of item identifiers to a batch thatmaximizes efficiency and throughput of the order fulfillment process.Batch generator 414 may recalculate the normalized volume and thenormalized weight of an item for each request based on the containerspecified by the request.

At step 712, batch generator 414 may retrieve an urgency multipliercorresponding to the determined priority group. In some embodiments, theurgency multiplier may be any decimal greater than 0 and less than 1 orany equivalent percentage. There may be also separate urgencymultipliers for the normalized volume and the normalized weight. Thevalue of the urgency multipliers may increase as the priority of thepriority groups decrease, where, for example, the urgency multipliercorresponding to priority group 1 may be 50% while the urgencymultiplier for priority group 2 may be 75%.

At step 713, batch generator 414 may apply the urgency multiplier to thenormalized volume and the normalized weight of the current itemidentifier. Applying the urgency multiplier may involve multiplying ordividing the normalized volume and weight by the urgency multiplier,thereby adjusting the normalized volume and weight based on the prioritygroup. The adjusted normalized volume and weight may allow batchgenerator 414 to generate the batch candidates later at step 703 withpriority to the items that must be delivered soon.

In some embodiments, batch generator 414 may apply the priority groupurgency multiplier and the batch creation multiplier on only a subset ofthe item identifiers obtained that belong to a particular prioritygroup. For example, batch generator 414 may perform steps 712 and 713only on item identifiers belonging to priority group 1 or the group withthe highest priority. In other embodiments, batch generator 414 maycombine steps 702 and 711 by determining the priority groups of itemidentifiers while obtaining them at step 702, and discarding those thatdo not belong to a particular priority group. Batch generator 414 maythen perform steps 712 and 713 to all item identifiers that remain.

At step 703, batch generator 414 may create combinations of itemidentifiers as batch candidates. Each batch candidate may comprise anynumber of item identifiers and their quantities, whose normalizedvolumes or normalized weights add up to fill the current container. Abatch candidate may be considered to fill the current container wheneither the sum of normalized volumes or the sum of normalized weights ofits items is just below 100% of the volume or weight capacity of thecurrent container or just above its volume or weight fill rate. In someembodiments, batch generator 414 may create the batch candidates usingonly the item identifiers of a particular priority group such aspriority group 1 or the group with the highest priority.

Next, batch generator 414 may perform steps 721-724 of block 720 foreach batch candidate. At step 721, batch generator 414 may confirm thatthe current batch candidate meets the volume or weight fill ratespecified by the request at step 701 above. Any batch candidate thatdoes not may be removed at step 722. In some embodiments, batchcandidates that exceed the maximum capacity (i.e., 100% of the currentcontainer by volume or weight) may also be removed.

In some embodiments, batch generator 414 then may determine a scores forthe batch candidate that meets the fill rate threshold using the formulabelow. The formula is only exemplary and other suitable formulas fordetermining a score or variations of the formula (e.g., with differentcoefficients or constants) may be used.

${score} = \frac{\left( \;\begin{matrix}{{greater}\mspace{14mu}{of}} \\{{the}\mspace{14mu}{total}\mspace{14mu}{normalized}\mspace{14mu}{volume}} \\{{or}\mspace{14mu}{total}\mspace{14mu}{normalized}\mspace{14mu}{weight}}\end{matrix} \right) + \left( \;\frac{\begin{matrix}{{smaller}\mspace{14mu}{of}} \\{{the}\mspace{14mu}{total}\mspace{14mu}{normalized}\mspace{14mu}{volume}} \\{{or}\mspace{14mu}{total}\mspace{14mu}{normalized}\mspace{14mu}{weight}}\end{matrix}}{10} \right)}{{{total}\mspace{14mu}{distance}\mspace{14mu}{to}\mspace{14mu}{be}\mspace{14mu}{traveled}} + 10}$

At step 723, batch generator 414 may determine the elapsed time from thelast known location of picker. In some embodiments, the last knownlocation may correspond to the location of the item in picking zone 209that the picker retrieved. In further embodiments, the last knownlocation may correspond to the current location of mobile device 1198received with the request at step 701, or it may be determined fromevent data stored in WMS 119.

At step 724, batch generator 414 may apply a recent picker weight to thecurrent batch candidate based on the last known location and the elapsedtime. In some embodiments, applying the recent picker weight may referto adding the recent picker weight to the batch candidate's score. Therecent picker weight may refer to a numerical value representing howmuch preference the current batch candidate should be given based on theproximity of the last known location and the locations of the itemsassociated with the current batch candidate. In some embodiments, therecent picker weight may be proportional to the units of distance pickermust travel from the last known location in order to pick every item ofthe current batch candidate. In other embodiments, the recent pickerweight may be proportional to the units of distance between the lastknown location and the center of gravity of the items in the currentbatch candidate.

Furthermore, batch generator 414 may apply only a portion of the recentpicker weight as adjusted based on the elapsed time from the last knownlocation. The less time has elapsed since a picker's last knownlocation, the more likely it is for a picker to be in the vicinity ofthat last known location. Therefore, applying higher recent pickerweights to batch candidates associated with items closer to the picker'slast known location based on the elapsed time may allow batch generator414 to give an appropriate amount consideration to the picker's lastknown location. For example, batch generator 414 may apply 100% of therecent picker weight if the elapsed time is less than 1 minute, apply aproportional amount of the recent picker weight if the elapsed time isbetween 1 and 15 minutes, or apply 0% if the elapsed time is greaterthan 15 minutes. The percentages and the ranges of elapsed timedescribed herein are only exemplary and other percentages and ranges oftime may be used to adjust the recent picker weight.

At step 704, batch generator 414 may identify the batch candidate withthe highest score based on the score determined at step 721 and therecent picker weight applied at step 724.

At step 705, batch generator 414 may transmit the batch identifier ofthe batch candidate with the highest score to mobile device 1198. Mobiledevice 1198 may then receive the batch identifier at step 602 of FIG. 6and perform the rest of process 600 as described above. When there aremore than one batch candidates with the highest score, batch generator414 may transmit the batch identifier of the batch candidate with thegreatest or the smallest number of items as appropriate.

In some embodiments, the batch identifier, the item identifiers includedtherein, and the identity of mobile device 1198 that received the batchidentifier may be recorded in a storage device (not shown) of FO system113 or WMS 119. Mobile device 119B may be configured to retrieve theitem identifiers from this storage device upon receiving the batchidentifier at step 602.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with referenceto particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood that thepresent disclosure can be practiced, without modification, in otherenvironments. The foregoing description has been presented for purposesof illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the preciseforms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will beapparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally,although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as beingstored in memory, one skilled in the art will appreciate that theseaspects can also be stored on other types of computer readable media,such as secondary storage devices, for example, hard disks or CD ROM, orother forms of RAM or ROM, USB media, DVD, Blu-ray, or other opticaldrive media.

Computer programs based on the written description and disclosed methodsare within the skill of an experienced developer. Various programs orprogram modules can be created using any of the techniques known to oneskilled in the art or can be designed in connection with existingsoftware. For example, program sections or program modules can bedesigned in or by means of .Net Framework, .Net Compact Framework (andrelated languages, such as Visual Basic, C, etc.), Java, C++,Objective-C, HTML, HTML/AJAX combinations, XML, or HTML with includedJava applets.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope of any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across variousembodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated bythose skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. Thelimitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on thelanguage employed in the claims and not limited to examples described inthe present specification or during the prosecution of the application.The examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. Furthermore, thesteps of the disclosed methods may be modified in any manner, includingby reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps. It is intended,therefore, that the specification and examples be considered asillustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims and their full scope of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented system for handling itemidentifiers, the system comprising: a memory storing instructions; andat least one processor configured to execute the instructions for:receiving a user input to generate a combination of a plurality of itemidentifiers, wherein the item identifiers will be associated with acorresponding plurality of items located within a first area; retrievingone or more system parameters comprising a current location and acurrent container; generating the combination of the plurality of itemidentifiers based on the current location, the current container, andthe first area; transmitting a request for the combination of theplurality of item identifiers, the request comprising the one or moresystem parameters; receiving the combination of the plurality of itemidentifiers in response to the request; displaying locations of theplurality of items relative to the current location; and processing theplurality of items until a threshold capacity of the current containeris reached by receiving input data corresponding to the plurality ofitem identifiers.
 2. The computer-implemented system of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of item identifiers is further associated with one or moreorders for the plurality of items.
 3. The computer-implemented system ofclaim 1, wherein the current location is retrieved from a locationsensor comprising at least one of a GPS, a short-range wireless beacon,an NFC reader, or an RFID reader.
 4. The computer-implemented system ofclaim 1, wherein the current location is determined based on a locationof a last item previously collected by a user.
 5. Thecomputer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein the threshold capacityis a predetermined percentage of a maximum volume capacity of thecurrent container.
 6. The computer-implemented system of claim 1,wherein the threshold capacity is a predetermined percentage of amaximum weight capacity of the current container.
 7. Thecomputer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein receiving the input datacomprises capturing the plurality of item identifiers using at least oneof an image sensor, an NFC sensor, or a keyboard.
 8. Thecomputer-implemented system of claim 1, wherein processing the pluralityof items further comprises: comparing a sum of weights of a subset ofthe plurality of items corresponding to the received input data againstthe threshold capacity.
 9. The computer-implemented system of claim 1,wherein the instructions further comprise: transmitting a subset of theplurality of item identifiers associated with a subset of the pluralityof items over the threshold capacity.
 10. The computer-implementedsystem of claim 1, wherein the instructions further comprise:transmitting a signal to trigger a transportation of the plurality ofitems to a second area.
 11. A computer-implemented method for handlingitem identifiers, the method comprising: receiving a user input togenerate a combination of a plurality of item identifiers, wherein theitem identifiers will be associated with a corresponding plurality ofitems located within a first area; retrieving one or more systemparameters comprising a current location and a current container;generating the combination of the plurality of item identifiers based onthe current location, the current container, and the first area;transmitting a request for the combination of the plurality of itemidentifiers, the request comprising the one or more system parameters;receiving the combination of the plurality of item identifiers inresponse to the request; displaying locations of the plurality of itemsrelative to the current location; and processing the plurality of itemsuntil a threshold capacity of the current container is reached byreceiving input data corresponding to the plurality of item identifiers.12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the pluralityof item identifiers is further associated with one or more orders forthe plurality of items.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 11,wherein the current location is retrieved from a location sensorcomprising at least one of a GPS, a short-range wireless beacon, an NFCreader, or an RFID reader.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim11, wherein the current location is determined based on a location of alast item previously collected by a user.
 15. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 11, wherein the threshold capacity is a predeterminedpercentage of a maximum volume capacity of the current container. 16.The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the thresholdcapacity is a predetermined percentage of a maximum weight capacity ofthe current container.
 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 11,wherein processing the plurality of items further comprises: comparing asum of weights of a subset of the plurality of items corresponding tothe received input data against the threshold capacity.
 18. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising:transmitting a subset of the plurality of item identifiers associatedwith a subset of the plurality of items over the threshold capacity. 19.The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising:transmitting a signal to trigger a transportation of the plurality ofitems to a second area.
 20. A computer-implemented system fordecomposition and reorganization of items in customer orders, the systemcomprising: a memory storing instructions; and at least one processorconfigured to execute the instructions for: receiving, from a userdevice, a request for a batch of one or more item identifiers, whereinthe one or more item identifiers are associated with a subset of one ormore customer orders; decomposing the one or more customer orders intoindividual item identifiers to be stored in a network-connected storagedevice; retrieving a plurality of item identifiers of available customerorders; identifying item identifiers associated with a priority group;creating a plurality of combinations of the identified item identifiersas batch candidates; identifying a batch candidate with a highest score,the score being based on locations of items associated with the itemidentifiers of the identified batch candidate; and transmitting theidentified batch candidate to the user device.